Sash operating mechanism



V 33 E. W. TERHUNE 1,916,817

SASH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 19, 1928 [Ill/811201 Ia wuz WIr/amw Patented July 4, 1933 UNITED TES PATENT OFFICE EDJVI'N VI. TER-HUNE, 0F IRVINGTON, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO LORD & BURNHAM COM- PANY, OE IEVINGTON, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK OPERATING MECHANISM Application filed November 19, 1928. Seria1 No. 320,899.

This invention relates generally to sash operating mechanism, and is particularly adapted for use ingreen houses, in which the means for effecting movement of the sash is of the arm and rod type, as distinguished from the rack bar and pinion type. The improved actuating mechanism for the sash is particularly applicable foruse where it is desired to obtain a compact arrangement of the operating mechanism, which may be mounted directly upon the inclined roof bars of the green house so that a maximum amount of space may be available.

Heretofore, where sash operating mechanism of the arm and rod type have been employed, it has been usual to employ a line shaft extending throughout the length of the structure, and to provide a worm gear mounted on the line shaft directly, which gear in turn is actuated by a worm, for effecting rotation of the line shaft, to which the sash operating arms are attached for moving the sash. Such an arrangement, made it necessary to mount the line shaft a certain distance spaced from the roof rafters in order to accommodate the worm gear mounted on the shaft, and this in turn necessitated special brackets for supporting the line shaft in spaced rela tion to the roof bars, and also a special mounting overhead f r the worm and gear.

Where the line shaft is directly actuated by the gear mounted thereon with the worm in mesh with said gear, a force from the worm is effective upon the pitch line of the worm gear at the same distance from the axis of the lii e shaft, throughout the movement of the sash. lowever, in the movement of the sash fromthe open to the closed position, or vice-versa, the weight of the sash producing an effective torsional twist upon the line sha t, is variable for the different positions of the sash. It is therefore, very desirable to provide sash actuating mechanism which is capable of exerting an effective force for moving the sash, that is likewise variable as that of he sash in its different positions.

In accordance with the present invention, the power actuating force for the sash is transmitted to the line shaft, and then to the various sash, through an axially reciprocat ing operationg rod, which rod in turn is connected to the line shaft through an arm and link connection, preferably having an adjustable connection therebetween, with the arm adjustably fixed on the line shaft, so as to permit the power arm and the sash operating arm to be adjusted and co-ordinated so as to be most effective during the changing sash position and torque.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide sash actuating mechanism of the rod and arm type, in which the sash actuating mechanism may be compactly arranged and disposed in close relation to the roof bars or rafters, in order to provide a strong and rigid construction, and in order that the sash actuating parts may not extend into the adjacent space for any considerable distance. Such a feature is particularly desirable in greenhouses, as it reduces the shadow effect.

In warehouses and power houses, it is likewise desirable to have as few inwardly projecting parts as possible in order that the space may be available for storage, or for the movement and travel of cranes 0r hoists.

A further object is to provide sash actuating mechanism which is of the self-braking or self-locking type for all positions of the sash, without the necessity of mounting the worm gear on theline shaft, and without the necessity of having to employ special locking means such as a ratchet which is likely'to get out of order.

A further object is to provide sash operating mechanism of such a character that will permit the line shaft to be directly mounted upon, or to pass through the roof or wall rafters of the structure and yet permit sufiicient and proper movement and control of the sash for all positions thereof, and partic ularly the closed position wherein a substantially inward direct thrust, normal to the sash may be exerted in order to hold the sash in a tightly closed position to prevent rattling and displacement due to'strong winds or other causes.

A further object is to provide sash actuating mechanism having the advantages of being powerful in action affording a positive and direct connection through proper means with the sash, and affording a self-locking effect for all positions by providing an axially movable member for an operating rod which serves as a medium for transmitting a force received from a nut or gear and screw thread which is mounted at an accessible point distant from the line shaft and sash. The fact, that the operating force is directly trans initted through the medium of the axially movable operating rod, to the line shaft through the medium of an arm and link, is an important feature of this invention, as it enables the positive self-locking and breaking effect to be obtained without the employment of any intermediate sprocket and chain connection, as have been previously used. It is not desirable to have any self-locking effect transmitted through a chain of sprockets because, in the event that any one link of the chain were to break, or if the chain should ride off of the sprocket, it would permit the entire run of the sash to fall. 7

A further object is to provide a sash actuating mechanism having the advantages of the worm and gear type of sash actuating mechanism and with the additional advantage of permitting the variation and adjustment of the force applied, and the variation and adjustment of the movement or travel of the sash. This feature, in conjunction with that feature which permits the main power unit to be located at an accessible and convenient point distant from the main line shaft is an advantageous feature, because the power unit may be readily installed at points throughout the run of the line shaft, and may be adapted for use under varying conditions of load and movement as required.

For purpose of illustration, one selected embodiment of this invention, is shown in the accompanying drawing, and described in the following specification, it being understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit "and scope of the invention.

In the drawing, Fig. 1 is a vertical fragmentary section of a greenhouse, showing the screw actuating mechanism and rod arranged h adjacent to the roof bar, with the screw act-uating mechanism at a point distant from the line shaft and at a point easily accessible for manual operation.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation showing the sash in closed position as indicated by the dotted line and in open position as indicated by the full line position.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional View showing the supporting frame for the lower threaded portion of the operating rodqand the nut or gear member rotating to obtain the axial movement of the operating rod.

Fig. 4 is an 'end. elevation of the frame shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a side elevation showing the arrangement of the chain and sprocket an he hand wheel for actuating the gear member which in turn effects the rotation of the nut or gear member threaded on the operating rod.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view showlng more clearly the detail of the connection between the end of the axially movable operating rod and the line shaft through fhekmedium of the power arm and the power A fragmentary section of one half of the greenhouse is illustrated in Fig. 1, which shows a roof bar or rafter 1 extending downwardly from the ridge bar 2 to the bottom, where it is shown resting on the wall 3. The bar is preferably composed of metal, but it is understood that'wood or other materials utilized in building construction may be employed. The usualhothouse bed, see frame 1 in the plans, is shown supported on the post 5.

The sash frame 6v is shown pivotally connected to the ridge bar 2 and 7 and when in closed position, it is held against the stop 8.

The'line shaft 9 as shown, extends longitudinally of the greenhouse, and as shown is supported directly on the roof bar or rafter 1, the line shaft being suitably mounted on the rafter to permit rotary movement thereof in order to effect the operation of the sash throughout the length of the line shaft, through the medium of the sash arm 10 and the sash link 11, one end of the sash link and the sash arm being pivotally connected together and the other end of the sash arm being connected to the line shaft and the other end of the shaft link being pivotally connected to the sash frame. stood, of course, that a number of the sash arms and links are distributed along the line shaft at various points in order to actuate the sash frame.

Sash actuating mechanism, in which the sash frame is actuated by an arm and link or rod as above described, from the line shaft is commonly known as the arm and rod type, as distinguished from another type known as the rack bar and pinion type in which a rack bar, one end of the same being connected to the sash frame, is moved by means of a pinion from the line shaft. Heretofore, in both of these types ofsash actuating mechanism, it has been impossible to mount and arrange the line shaft in close relation to or contiguous to the roof bars or rafters so that it has not been necessary to space the line shaft from the roof rafters and to provide specialsupporting brackets and fixtures. By employing the actuating mechanism hereinafter to be described, it is now possible to mount the line shaft directly upon the roof rafters thus providing a firmer and more stable mounting for the line shaft which is the member that takes the weight and torsional strain and load throughout the length It is under operating mechanism of this invention.

of the line shaft, when the run of the sash frames throughout the length of the greenhouse is open. This is one of the important features resulting from the improved sash A further advantage, in addition to that of greater rigidity obtained in the mounting of the line shaft, is that it enables the space adjacent to the roof and side rafters to be preserved and utilized.

The rotary movement of theline shaft for effecting the opening and closing of the sash frame, is obtained by the screw actuated power transmitting means arranged at a point distant from the line shaft and at a position accessible for hand or power operation, the movement of the screw actuated member being transmitted through an operating rod 12 which is movable axially, and through a power or operating link 13 anda power or operating arm 14, effects rotation of the line shaft 9: One end of the link and arm 13 and 14 respectively are pivotally connected together, preferably in such a manner that will permit of relative adjustment between the link and arm so that the movement of the relatively powerful screw actuated operating rod and the travel thereof maybe adjusted and utilized under varying condie tions of load and sash travel. The other end of the operating link as shown, is pivotally connected with a cross head bracket 15 which may be either rigid with or adjustably fixed upon the screw actuated operating rod 12. The other end of the power or operating arm 14 is connected to the line shaft 9 in order to effect rotation thereof. The shaft arm 10 and operating or power arm 14 may be integrally or rigidly formed as a bell crank, or, if desired, they may be movable or adjustable relative to each other in order to adjust and balance the various movements of the shaft under different conditions, to the movement and force exerted by the screw actuated operating rod 12.

In sash actuating mechanism, for greenhouses particularly, one of the distinctive features of this invention is that it enables all the advantages of the worm and screw actuating type of sash mechanism to be obtained, with the additional advantages of more rigid mounting of the line shaft, conservation and saving of space adjacent the sash operating mechanism, and permitting of a wide range of variable adjustability in transmitting the powerful movement of the screw operated rod to the line shaft. Itis to be noted that the movement of the screw actuated member is directly transmitted to the line shaft through positive arm and link connection without utilizing any intermediate chain and sprocket, or ratchet connection which introduce an element of uncertainty in operation due to the possibility of the breakage of a'link, or of the chain riding off of the sprocket. A further advantage resulting from utilizing the screw actuated operating rod, for controlling the sash movement, is that the sash is automatically locked or held in any predetermined position.

As shown, the operating rod 12 is supported in brackets 16 which are in turn attached to the roof rafter 1. permits axial sliding movement of the operating rod 12 therethrough. This arrange ment permits the operating rod 12 to be extended parallel to and below the roof rafter or bar 1 and in close relation thereto. This arrangement is neat and compact and presents a pleasing appearance and serves to reduce the shadow effect of the sash actuating mechanism. The brackets 16 may if de-' sired be so placed as to serve as stops to limit the movement of the crosshead bracket 15 on the operating rod. A further advantage end of the operating rod 12 is provided with ascrew threaded portion 17, which is guided and supported in bearings 18 and 18 carried in a frame 19, having flanges 20 for mounting upon the rafter 1 by bolts or other suitable means. A nut member or internally threaded gear 21 is screwed upon the threaded portion of the operating rod 12. Thrust bearings are interposed between each side of the gear member 21 and the bearing portion 18, 18 of the frame. The axial movement of the operating rod 12 is effected by rotating the nut member 21. One means of effecting this rotary movement of the nut member 21, is to provide the periphery of the nut member 21 with gear teeth 22 and to provide another gear member 23 to ,mesh therewith. The gear 23 may be mounted on a shaft 24 so as to rotate in bearings 25, 25 also formed in the frame 19. Preferably one end of the shaft 24 extends outward from the frame and is adapted to receive an operating hand-wheel and sprocket 26, having a handle 27, which may be used when the frame 19 supporting the screw actuating mechanism for the operating rod is mounted at a point which is accessible to permit the hand-wheel to be rotated by hand operation. If desired a hand operating chain 28 may be carried over the sprocket 26, and the lower end of the loop left freely hanging as indicated in dotted lines at 28, or the lower end The bracket 16 of the chain may be carried over the lower idler sprocket 29, and may be conveniently located below the bed 4. Suitable guides30,

may be provided for passing the chains through the hot beds. The operating chain 28 may be conveniently used when the screw power actuating mechanism is located overhead at an inaccessible point which makes it difficult to operate the hand wheel 26. The frame 19 may be provided with a suitable casing or cover 31 in order to enclose the gear and the screw actuating'parts. A suitable stop nut 32 may be fixed on the end ofthe operating rod 12. r

In order to counteract any tendency of the operating rod 12 to twist or turn due to the feeding action of the nut member 21, the crosshead bracket member is preferably provided with guides whichare spaced on the crosshead bracket so as to engage the opposite sides of the rafter 1 as the operating rod is reciprocated in its'axial movement. It is understood however, the other suitable means may be employed to prevent the turning or twisting of the operating rod.

One of the particular advantages in employing the screw actuated operating rod, through an operating link and arm connection for effecting movement of the line shaft over formerworm and gear actuatedtypes,wherein the worm gear is mounted on the line shaft, is that there is no back lash in the screw thread type herein disclosed, which operates through the link and arm; in the former type,

'-: any back lash between the wormgear and the worm was multiplied in its effect upon the sash frame through the sash arm, which feature on occasions, became objectionable.

\Vhileone preferred form has been herein 1 shown and described, it is understood that varlous changes and modifications may be.

made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

Other means may be employed for obtaining the axial movement ofthe operating rod substantially normal to the line shaft, and still maintain the advantages of the specific screw andnut actuating means shown. If desired the f threaded portion of the operating rod 12 may be guidedin a threaded guide of the bracket mounted on the rafter, in which event the nut or gear at the end of the operating rod could be fixed on the rod, and a construction provided permitting relative rotary movement between the operating rod and crosshead bracket 15 to which the operating or ower links are connected.

VVhatIclaim is I 1. Sash actuating mechanism comprising in combination a sash mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, roof bars extending normal to said axis, a line shaft mounted on and contiguous to said roof bars T and extending normal thereto, anoperating rod nelasiv mounted below and adjacent to a roof bar so as to permit axial movement of the operating rod normal to the line shaft, means for obtaining axial movement of said operating rod, including a screw thread and nut at one portion of said operating rod, and means for transmitting the axial movement of the operating rod'to the sash, including a rod and arm connection between the operating rod and the line shaft, and a rod and arm connection between the line shaft and the sash.

2. In sash actuating mechanism adapted for use with sash operated by mechanism of the rod and arm type, the combination of a line shaft, a roof rafter extending normal to said line shaft and directly supporting the same, a screw actuated operating rod slidably supportedbelow and adjacent to said rafter so as to permit axial movement of the operating rod substantially normal to the line shaft, and means for transmitting the axial movement of the operating rod to the sash, said means including a link and arm connection between the line shaft and the operating rod, whereby the sash'is held locked in any particular position by reason of the action of the1 screw actuated axially movable operating roc I 3. Sash actuating mechanism adapted for use with sash of the rod and arm actuated type, comprising a line shaft, a roof bar extending normal to the line shaft and directly supporting said shaft, an operating rod slidably mounted on said roof bar to permit axial movement of said rod in a line normal to the line shaft, said line shaft being disposed between said sash and said operating rod means for effecting axial sliding movement of said operating rod, said means including a screw thread connection at one end of the operating rod, and means for transmitting the sliding movement of the operating rod to the sash, said last named means including a link and arm connection interposied between the line shaft and the operating ro v 4. In sash operating mechanism of the arm and rod type, the combination of roof bars, a line shaft extending through said roof bars, a power arm attached to the line shaft, a screw actuated operating rod mounted on the roof bars to permit axial movement in a plane substantially normal to the line shaft and parallel with the roof bars, a power link connecting the operating rod and adjustably fixed to the power arm whereby the axial movement of the screw actuated member may be transmitted to effect variable rotation of the line shaft dependent upon the relative adjustment of the power arm and the power link.

5. In sash operating mechanism of the rod and armtype, the combination of roof bars, a line shaft directly mounted on the roof bars, a power arm attached to the line shaft for actuating the sash through said first named arm and rod, the relative arrangement of the power arm and said first named arm being such that when the sash is in closed position, the last named arm will exert a direct inward thrust substantially normal to the sash in order to hold the sash tightly closed to prevent rattling of the sash and the like, and screw actuated means for operating the power arm, said means including an operating rod directly supported by the roof bars and mounted for axial movement, guiding means for said operating rod, said operating rod lying in a plane substantially normal to the line shaft, the screw actuating means for the operating rod being disposed at a point distant from the line shaft and at a point accessible for hand operation, and a power link connecting the operating rod and the power arm, the arrangement of the various parts being such as to provide a positive link and rod connection between the line shaft and the screw actuating means whereby the screw actuating means functions as a lock or brake for holding the sash in any position.

6. In sash operating mechanism of the arm and rod type, the combination of a line shaft, a roof bar extending normal to the line shaft said shaft being mounted directly upon the roof bar, a power arm attached to the line shaft, screw actuated operating mechanism for moving the power arm, said mechanism comprising an operating rod extending parallel to the roof bar and slidably supported in contiguous relation thereto so as to permit axial movement of the operating rod, a power link connecting the operating rod and the power arm, a screw thread at the lower end of the operating rod, and means cooperating with the screw threads to obtain aXial movement of the operating rod, said means including a nut member comprising a gear threaded on the screw portion of the operating rod, a frame fixed on the roof bar and supporting the gear nut member and the threaded portion'of the operating rod in proper cooperative relation, thrust bearings for the nut member, and means for rotating the gear member to effect axial move ment of the operating rod.

7. In sash operating mechanism of the arm and rod type, the combination of a line shaft, a roof bar extending normal to the line shaft, said roof bar serving as a direct support for the line shaft which passes therethrough, a power arm connected to the line shaft, and screw actuated operating means arranged at a point distant from the line shaft and at a point accessible for manual operation, such operating means being so arranged and disposed as to lie adjacent to the roof bar and so as to occupy the space between the roof bar and the outer end of the power arm, when the power arm is substantially normal to the roof bar, said operating means comprising a screw actuated operating rod slidably supported contiguous to the roof bar to permit axial movement thereof, and a power link connecting the operating rod with the power arm.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

EDWIN W TERHUNE. 

